Gareth Southgate, no stranger to the cruel nature of European Championship penalty shoot-outs, was on hand to witness England exit the semi-finals of the Under-17 version of the tournament at Chesterfield against Holland. Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun was the unfortunate England player to see his effort saved after the previous 11 had all been converted, a position with which Southgate would doubtless sympathise after his own experiences in 1996. But, with three key starters missing through injury and suspension, England were destined to miss out on Sunday’s final against Italy, losing on spot kicks as they did in last year’s Under-17 Euros Final. The omens had looked bad for England with barely a minute on the clock when Liam Van Gelderen looked poised to hand his team the lead but could only strike the ball into the face of goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond from close range. England recovered from that inauspicious start, however, and Steve Cooper’s side should have been as good as in Sunday’s final by the time the interval arrived. Balogun walks up before seeing his penalty saved Credit: Reuters Just before the half hour, Rayhaan Tulloch pulled the ball back for Arsenal full-back Bakayo Saka who could only clear the goal from a promising position. And five minutes later, Tino Anjorin was desperately unlucky when his strong run opened up space for a shot which rebounded to safety via the foot of Holland’s left-hand post. Bobby Duncan, cousin of Steven Gerrard, also came close from a free-kick on the edge of the area before the chance of the half fell to Duncan and Arvin Appiah who slid in at the far post and both somehow failed to connect with an excellent Saka cross. Mohammed Ihatteren, who had tested Ashby-Hammond early in the game, did likewise after the restart, with the England keeper turning one effort into his side netting then watching as the Dutch winger’s next chance passed just wide. Holland celebrate reaching the final Credit: Action Images It was the start of a dominant half from Holland and Ihattaren might have won the tie with the last kick of the tie, mis-controlling in space with the goal at his mercy from a Ryan Grevenberch cross. England manager Steve Cooper said: “Of course we wanted to win but we wanted to get through to the later stages and give them experiences for the future. “They’ve had a tough group to get through, the pressure of playing at home, bigger crowds than usual, knockout football and a penalty shoot-out. “Who knows, losing a shoot-out might be something that helps them down the line. We want to give them experience for when they go up through the ages and even through to Gareth and shoot-outs are part of international football. “Gareth spoke to the group and had some positive words for them and said he was proud of the way they have performed in this tournament.” Dutch coach Kees Van Wonderen said: “It was the game we suspected it would be, a fight. But we as a nation haven’t won a lot in Europe over the years and we want to change that.”

Gareth Southgate, no stranger to the cruel nature of European Championship penalty shoot-outs, was on hand to witness England exit the semi-finals of the Under-17 version of the tournament at Chesterfield against Holland. Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun was the unfortunate England player to see his effort saved after the previous 11 had all been converted, a position with which Southgate would doubtless sympathise after his own experiences in 1996. But, with three key starters missing through injury and suspension, England were destined to miss out on Sunday’s final against Italy, losing on spot kicks as they did in last year’s Under-17 Euros Final. The omens had looked bad for England with barely a minute on the clock when Liam Van Gelderen looked poised to hand his team the lead but could only strike the ball into the face of goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond from close range. England recovered from that inauspicious start, however, and Steve Cooper’s side should have been as good as in Sunday’s final by the time the interval arrived. Balogun walks up before seeing his penalty saved Credit: Reuters Just before the half hour, Rayhaan Tulloch pulled the ball back for Arsenal full-back Bakayo Saka who could only clear the goal from a promising position. And five minutes later, Tino Anjorin was desperately unlucky when his strong run opened up space for a shot which rebounded to safety via the foot of Holland’s left-hand post. Bobby Duncan, cousin of Steven Gerrard, also came close from a free-kick on the edge of the area before the chance of the half fell to Duncan and Arvin Appiah who slid in at the far post and both somehow failed to connect with an excellent Saka cross. Mohammed Ihatteren, who had tested Ashby-Hammond early in the game, did likewise after the restart, with the England keeper turning one effort into his side netting then watching as the Dutch winger’s next chance passed just wide. Holland celebrate reaching the final Credit: Action Images It was the start of a dominant half from Holland and Ihattaren might have won the tie with the last kick of the tie, mis-controlling in space with the goal at his mercy from a Ryan Grevenberch cross. England manager Steve Cooper said: “Of course we wanted to win but we wanted to get through to the later stages and give them experiences for the future. “They’ve had a tough group to get through, the pressure of playing at home, bigger crowds than usual, knockout football and a penalty shoot-out. “Who knows, losing a shoot-out might be something that helps them down the line. We want to give them experience for when they go up through the ages and even through to Gareth and shoot-outs are part of international football. “Gareth spoke to the group and had some positive words for them and said he was proud of the way they have performed in this tournament.” Dutch coach Kees Van Wonderen said: “It was the game we suspected it would be, a fight. But we as a nation haven’t won a lot in Europe over the years and we want to change that.”

Gareth Southgate, no stranger to the cruel nature of European Championship penalty shoot-outs, was on hand to witness England exit the semi-finals of the Under-17 version of the tournament at Chesterfield against Holland. Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun was the unfortunate England player to see his effort saved after the previous 11 had all been converted, a position with which Southgate would doubtless sympathise after his own experiences in 1996. But, with three key starters missing through injury and suspension, England were destined to miss out on Sunday’s final against Italy, losing on spot kicks as they did in last year’s Under-17 Euros Final. The omens had looked bad for England with barely a minute on the clock when Liam Van Gelderen looked poised to hand his team the lead but could only strike the ball into the face of goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond from close range. England recovered from that inauspicious start, however, and Steve Cooper’s side should have been as good as in Sunday’s final by the time the interval arrived. Balogun walks up before seeing his penalty saved Credit: Reuters Just before the half hour, Rayhaan Tulloch pulled the ball back for Arsenal full-back Bakayo Saka who could only clear the goal from a promising position. And five minutes later, Tino Anjorin was desperately unlucky when his strong run opened up space for a shot which rebounded to safety via the foot of Holland’s left-hand post. Bobby Duncan, cousin of Steven Gerrard, also came close from a free-kick on the edge of the area before the chance of the half fell to Duncan and Arvin Appiah who slid in at the far post and both somehow failed to connect with an excellent Saka cross. Mohammed Ihatteren, who had tested Ashby-Hammond early in the game, did likewise after the restart, with the England keeper turning one effort into his side netting then watching as the Dutch winger’s next chance passed just wide. Holland celebrate reaching the final Credit: Action Images It was the start of a dominant half from Holland and Ihattaren might have won the tie with the last kick of the tie, mis-controlling in space with the goal at his mercy from a Ryan Grevenberch cross. England manager Steve Cooper said: “Of course we wanted to win but we wanted to get through to the later stages and give them experiences for the future. “They’ve had a tough group to get through, the pressure of playing at home, bigger crowds than usual, knockout football and a penalty shoot-out. “Who knows, losing a shoot-out might be something that helps them down the line. We want to give them experience for when they go up through the ages and even through to Gareth and shoot-outs are part of international football. “Gareth spoke to the group and had some positive words for them and said he was proud of the way they have performed in this tournament.” Dutch coach Kees Van Wonderen said: “It was the game we suspected it would be, a fight. But we as a nation haven’t won a lot in Europe over the years and we want to change that.”

Ireland eliminated from Under-17s European Championship in bizarre fashion as goalkeeper sent off during penalty shoot-out

Republic of Ireland Under-17s exited the European Championship in controversial fashion in Chesterfield when goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran was sent off during the penalty shoot-out against Holland. Corcoran saved Holland's fifth spot-kick from Daishawn Redan to keep his side's hopes alive only to be issued his second yellow card from referee Zbynek Proske for coming off his line. Ireland have been eliminated in bizarre, controversial fashion at the U17 Euros after goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran was shown a second yellow card for moving off his line too early during the penalty shootout https://t.co/O48xsGehPhpic.twitter.com/yroYmS84ca— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 14, 2018 A distraught Corcoran was forced to hand his goalkeepers' shirt to defender Oisin McEntee, but Redan made no mistake with his second attempt to send the Dutch through to the semi-finals after a game which had ended 1-1. As the Dutch wheeled away in triumph after a 5-4 victory, Irish officials remonstrated with the referee and senior team boss Martin O'Neill marched onto the pitch to take issue with the decision. "I think he said something that he might have come off his line earlier," said O'Neill after the match. "He warned the Dutch goalkeeper in two of the penalties as well. "Look, these boys have done their country proud tonight. They've great character, they’ve been like that all year and they’re a super bunch of lads. Ireland Under-17 manager Colin O'Brien: "I think he said something that he might have come off his line earlier and he warned the Dutch goalkeeper in two of the penalties as well." #rtesoccer#COYBIGpic.twitter.com/hubsOlbxcC— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 14, 2018 "Probably our quality on the ball tonight might have been a little bit better, but we limited this talented Dutch team in goal-scoring opportunities. "We got a great goal after going one down, it went to penalties and we were very unfortunate with what happened here tonight." "They’ll be devastated but they’ve been fantastic year and they’ve all got big careers ahead of them. "They’ve had a great season with us, going through two qualifying rounds with us unbeaten, topped their group and as I’ve said they’ve run a real talented Dutch side right to the limit tonight. "It’s a tough way to go out but we’ll take a lot out of it and they’ve all got big careers ahead of them in the game." Is the Dutch keeper Koorevaar off his line when he saves from Adam Idah? �� pic.twitter.com/LtfTBBT4dm— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 14, 2018 Republic had forced their way back into the match after the Dutch capped a spell of dominance by grabbing the lead in the 62nd minute with a powerful header by Liam van Gelderen. But the Irish were level almost immediately when a clever one-two between Troy Parrott and Jason Knight in the box resulting in the former sweeping home a superb shot.

Soccer Football - UEFA European Under-17 Championship Quarter-Final - Netherlands vs Republic of Ireland - Proact Stadium, Chesterfield, Britain - May 14, 2018 Netherland's Daishawn Redan has a penalty saved by Ireland's James Corcoran before he is adjudged to have left his line and is sent off Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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League Two - Barnet vs Chesterfield

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Enigmatic Martin Allen on the cusp of Barnet greatness as Hive outfit stands one game away from League Two safety

A lazy Sunday in March, and Martin Allen is lying on his sofa, watching the golf on television. Life is good, and he has a relaxing few days ahead. He has plans to play golf on Monday, walk the dogs on Tuesday and then, as he does most weeks, tend to his garden on Wednesday. His mobile phone is on the floor, on vibrate and out of reach. Then, at about 8pm, it starts to buzz. “I leaned over the side and opened it up,” he says. It was Tony Kleanthous, the Barnet chairman. “I said to my wife, ‘Oh my God, look’. We both smiled.” Allen did not immediately answer the call, but he did dial back an hour later. “Yeah,” he told Kleanthous. “I’ll start in the morning.” Just like that, Allen had begun his fifth spell as manager of the team to which he will be forever drawn. Out of nowhere, he was back at the helm of one of English football’s most turbulent clubs, staring head-first into the swirling storm of a League Two relegation scrap. “I had a nice life,” he says. “One telephone call and it’s all changed.” Little more than six weeks have passed since his return, but the man known as ‘Mad Dog’ has barked life into a club that looked doomed. He took over with Barnet seven points adrift of safety with just eight games remaining, but now has a genuine chance of securing their Football League safety. “We are armed,” he says. “We are ready.” Allen returned to the club for a fifth spell in charge in March Credit: GETTY IMAGES If they are to stay up, Barnet must beat relegated Chesterfield on Saturday, and hope that Morecambe lose at Coventry City. Their future is in the balance, but their survival to this final weekend is testament to the impact that Allen, the club’s fourth manager of the season, has had since his return. “I just do what I do,” he says of his methods, which have included a typically uncompromising approach to rule-bending. “We had somebody that was late on a regular basis, but he has not been late since,” he says, deadpan. “He has not been late since because I don’t know where he is. He’s not here any more. So I suppose you could say that we injected some discipline.” Allen has “banned negative people” from the club, and has not allowed any discussion of the future, including his own, beyond this weekend. “The only thing I have thought about in the future is going to my sister’s barbecue on Monday,” he says. But could he stay beyond this short-term deal? “No idea. Not interested. My only focus is our performance on Saturday and my sister’s barbecue.” Allen’s return was Barnet’s 20th managerial change since 2010. He first worked here in 2003, then came back for three-game stints in 2011 and 2012. In his fourth spell, starting in 2014, he secured promotion from the Conference back into League Two. He seems forever attached to this club, connected by a unique bond that brings him back again and again. Kleanthous once said Allen was “like a girlfriend you can never get rid of”, and the manager exudes affection for his chairman. “He just lets me get on with it. We get on very well – I never speak to him. The intrusion from the chairmen who have lots of money and feel that the ownership of a football club gives them the right to half-manage, that’s not for me.” To highlight his disgust at the idea, he makes a retching sound with his throat. “It doesn’t happen like that here. I can just do what I want.” After he suffered a heart scare and was fired by Eastleigh in February last year, there was a suggestion that Allen’s managerial career might be finished for good. He denies that Barnet was the only club that could tempt him back, though, and jokes that he rejected an offer from Chelsea. He knows the Hive will be vibrant this weekend – “It always bounces when I’m here” – but adds that he will resist the urge to celebrate too wildly. “I am not one of those managers that will run down the wing,” he says. “That’s stupid.” Barnet are teetering on the brink of their third relegation since 2001, but Allen is clearly at ease. Arms folded across his chest and a whistle still hanging around his neck, he leans back in his chair and smiles at the ceiling. “I love it,” he says. “I absolutely love it.”

Enigmatic Martin Allen on the cusp of Barnet greatness as Hive outfit stands one game away from League Two safety

A lazy Sunday in March, and Martin Allen is lying on his sofa, watching the golf on television. Life is good, and he has a relaxing few days ahead. He has plans to play golf on Monday, walk the dogs on Tuesday and then, as he does most weeks, tend to his garden on Wednesday. His mobile phone is on the floor, on vibrate and out of reach. Then, at about 8pm, it starts to buzz. “I leaned over the side and opened it up,” he says. It was Tony Kleanthous, the Barnet chairman. “I said to my wife, ‘Oh my God, look’. We both smiled.” Allen did not immediately answer the call, but he did dial back an hour later. “Yeah,” he told Kleanthous. “I’ll start in the morning.” Just like that, Allen had begun his fifth spell as manager of the team to which he will be forever drawn. Out of nowhere, he was back at the helm of one of English football’s most turbulent clubs, staring head-first into the swirling storm of a League Two relegation scrap. “I had a nice life,” he says. “One telephone call and it’s all changed.” Little more than six weeks have passed since his return, but the man known as ‘Mad Dog’ has barked life into a club that looked doomed. He took over with Barnet seven points adrift of safety with just eight games remaining, but now has a genuine chance of securing their Football League safety. “We are armed,” he says. “We are ready.” Allen returned to the club for a fifth spell in charge in March Credit: GETTY IMAGES If they are to stay up, Barnet must beat relegated Chesterfield on Saturday, and hope that Morecambe lose at Coventry City. Their future is in the balance, but their survival to this final weekend is testament to the impact that Allen, the club’s fourth manager of the season, has had since his return. “I just do what I do,” he says of his methods, which have included a typically uncompromising approach to rule-bending. “We had somebody that was late on a regular basis, but he has not been late since,” he says, deadpan. “He has not been late since because I don’t know where he is. He’s not here any more. So I suppose you could say that we injected some discipline.” Allen has “banned negative people” from the club, and has not allowed any discussion of the future, including his own, beyond this weekend. “The only thing I have thought about in the future is going to my sister’s barbecue on Monday,” he says. But could he stay beyond this short-term deal? “No idea. Not interested. My only focus is our performance on Saturday and my sister’s barbecue.” Allen’s return was Barnet’s 20th managerial change since 2010. He first worked here in 2003, then came back for three-game stints in 2011 and 2012. In his fourth spell, starting in 2014, he secured promotion from the Conference back into League Two. He seems forever attached to this club, connected by a unique bond that brings him back again and again. Kleanthous once said Allen was “like a girlfriend you can never get rid of”, and the manager exudes affection for his chairman. “He just lets me get on with it. We get on very well – I never speak to him. The intrusion from the chairmen who have lots of money and feel that the ownership of a football club gives them the right to half-manage, that’s not for me.” To highlight his disgust at the idea, he makes a retching sound with his throat. “It doesn’t happen like that here. I can just do what I want.” After he suffered a heart scare and was fired by Eastleigh in February last year, there was a suggestion that Allen’s managerial career might be finished for good. He denies that Barnet was the only club that could tempt him back, though, and jokes that he rejected an offer from Chelsea. He knows the Hive will be vibrant this weekend – “It always bounces when I’m here” – but adds that he will resist the urge to celebrate too wildly. “I am not one of those managers that will run down the wing,” he says. “That’s stupid.” Barnet are teetering on the brink of their third relegation since 2001, but Allen is clearly at ease. Arms folded across his chest and a whistle still hanging around his neck, he leans back in his chair and smiles at the ceiling. “I love it,” he says. “I absolutely love it.”

Premier League and Football League relegation, promotion and play-offs: who can still finish where?

We're into the final straight of the season across England's top four tiers, but there is still a lot to play for. The Premier League title is wrapped up, but at the bottom of the table and lower down the footballing pyramid, there is plenty still at stake. Here, we round-up who can still finish where in the Premier League and Football League. Premier League Every team has two or three games remaining, and after last weekend, the relegation battle is looking back ON. Manchester City are champions, while Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham should all wrap up a top four position, barring a significant late collapse coupled with a run of Chelsea wins. Arsenal are likely to beat Burnley to sixth place, with the losers of that race to go into the Europa League at the second qualifying stage - which starts on July 26. Everyone from Crystal Palace in 11th and below can still be relegated, but it would take something dramatic for any of the teams above West Ham in 15th to be pulled back in to the dogfight. Southampton, Stoke and West Brom are in real trouble but recent form suggests this race isn't over yet. Premier League | Who can still get what? Championship Wolves are Championship champions, while Cardiff are in pole position to secure the second automatic play-off spot, one point ahead of Fulham with one game to play. The team who loses that race will go into the play-offs with Aston Villa. They will be joined by two more of Middlesbrough, Derby, Preston and Millwall, but Millwall need a unlikely nine-goal swing to sneak into the play-offs. At the other end of the table, Sunderland's relegation to League One has been confirmed. Burton and Bolton currently make up the bottom three. Every side up to Reading can still technically go down, which sets up an exciting final day of the season. Championship | What can still happen? League One Wigan and Blackburn have sealed the two automatic promotion spots, meaning Shrewsbury have had to settle for a place in the play-offs. They will be joined by Rotherham and Scunthorpe, plus one more team from Charlton or Plymouth, though the former have three-point and six-goal advantage. At the bottom, Bury and MK Dons are down. Northampton need a miracle to survive. They will be joined by one more of Oldham and Rochdale. League One | What can still happen? League Two Accrington Stanley, Luton and Wycombe and wrapped up the three promotion spots. Exeter and Notts County will be in the play-offs, joined by two of Coventry, Lincoln and Mansfield. Chesterfield have been relegated from the Football League, and it is looking perilously likely for Barnet, too, though Morecambe are still not quite safe. League Two | What can still happen?

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

Relegation was never in the brochure when Chesterfield boldly moved in 2010 from Saltergate to the Proact Stadium.

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

‘It is an absolute travesty’: Chesterfield's fall from Football League

League Two - Chesterfield v Wycombe Wanderers

Soccer Football - League Two - Chesterfield v Wycombe Wanderers - Proact Stadium, Chesterfield, Britain - April 28, 2018 Wycombe Wanderers Manager Gareth Ainsworth celebrates with Adebayo Akinfenwa after winning promotion Action Images/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY